In a landmark move to bolster urban planning and governance, Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has issued Law No. 6 of 2025, a transformative framework for allocating government land plots to public entities. The law, effective 30 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan to —
- Optimize land distribution
- Enhance service delivery
- Ensure sustainable development
Key Provisions of the New Law
The legislation prioritizes efficient land use by mandating that Dubai Municipality oversee requests from federal and local entities. Responsibilities include assessing the urgent need for plots based on economic, social, security, and service factors, as well as determining their size and location. Notably, the law grants the Municipality authority to reclaim allocated land or alter its usage if conditions, such as misuse or unmet development timelines, are violated.
Dubai Municipality’s Expanded Role
Under the law, Dubai Municipality will do the following —
- Maintain a centralized land registry
- Coordinate with the Dubai Land Department
- Issue site maps to ensure transparency
This aligns with Law No. 16 of 2023 on urban planning, reinforcing data accuracy and interagency collaboration. The Chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council will implement supporting decisions while conflicting legislation is annulled to avoid regulatory overlap.
Impact on Real Estate and Public Services
The law arrives amid a surge in Dubai’s real estate sector, where Q1 2025 saw a 23% year-on-year rise in property transactions. By streamlining land allocation for hospitals, schools, and infrastructure, the law aims to —
- Sustain this growth
- Address long-term urban needs
Analysts predict it will curb speculative landholding and prioritize projects with high social or economic value.
Strategic Alignment with Vision 2040
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the law’s role in advancing Dubai’s goal to become a global hub for innovation and quality of life. By integrating land use with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the emirate ensures that public entities can efficiently execute projects supporting —
- population growth
- economic diversification
Looking Ahead
The law’s emphasis on transparency and strategic land management sets a precedent for other GCC nations. This regulatory shift highlights the government’s commitment to balancing rapid urbanization as well as sustainable governance.
